KS3 Humanities

The core of the Humanities curriculum is to enable pupils to ask and answer questions about the world we live in. Every week there is a key question, based on the current topic, for pupils to discuss answers to. This helps in developing their thinking and listening skills. Each topic of work has a variety of different learning activities to enable all the students to develop their knowledge and skills in their preferred learning style. Talking about ideas and sharing thoughts are actively encouraged along with outdoor and creative learning.

Opportunities

educational visits to places such as the New Forest and Southampton

the chance to learn outside of the classroom during some topics

independent thinking and ideas leading to debating skills and an appreciation and respect of others’ opinions

Key Stage 3

Humanities in key stage 3, years 7 and 8, covers Geography and History. History and Geography are planned and delivered within the framework of the national curriculum and the school policies for teaching and learning, assessment, special needs and equal opportunities. Each unit of work either combines history and geography or focuses on specifically geography or history.

In year 7 we cover the following topics:

All Change on Roman Road. Pupils learn about maps and the Romans.

Famous Faces and their Places. Pupils will be learning about how to investigate famous people, events and places.

Location, Location, Location. Pupils will be learning about where they live and why people live where they do. They will also be finding out what it was like to live in Medieval Southampton.

Beautiful Britain. Pupils will be learning about the United Kingdom, its features and culture.

In year 8 we cover the following topics:

Journeys and Explorers. Pupils will learn about river processes and the impact the Tudors had on the modern world.

Shopping the World. Pupils will learn about where our food and other items come from and about life in different countries.

Changing Britain. Pupils will learn about the Victorian times and the Industrial Revolution. They will also investigate the rise of the British Empire.

Magical Woodlands. Pupils will learn about woodlands across the world and their importance in our world

Humanities in key stage 3, year 9, covers Geography, History and RE. History and Geography are planned and delivered within the framework of the national curriculum and the school policies for teaching and learning, assessment, special needs, equal opportunities and the WJEC entry level pathway qualification. RE is planned and delivered within the framework of the agreed syllabus for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton (living Difference), and the school policies for teaching and learning, assessment, special needs, equal opportunities and the WJEC entry level pathway qualification. Each unit of work focuses on specifically Geography, History, or RE.

In year 9 we cover the following topics:

Wish you were here? Pupils learn about tourism, its effects and how it can be made sustainable.

The Blitzed Brits Pupils learn about what it was like to live in the United Kingdom during World War 2. They will also investigate and reflect on the Holocaust in Nazi Germany (This is a statutory requirement in the new national curriculum).

Faith Hope and Charity. Pupils learn about what marriage and Charity mean in the Christian religion.

China in your Hand Pupils learn about natural fragile environments and how they can be protected.

Students are encouraged to enquire and use their numeracy and literacy skills to develop their knowledge and understanding of places, patterns, processes, environmental change, sustainability, past events, and interpretations.

Assessment

Years 7 and 8

Pupils’ work is reviewed every week and there are two formal assessments for each topic. The formal assessments use a levelling system to monitor progression. This is based on the old national curriculum levels. Pupils are encouraged to peer assess their work and to set targets every term to enable effective progression. Work is differentiated using a variety of methods and tools according to the individual pupil.

Year 9

Pupils’ work is reviewed every week and there are two formal assessments for each topic. The formal assessments use a levelling system to monitor progression. This is based on the old national curriculum levels. Pupils are encouraged to peer assess their work and to set targets every term to enable effective progression. All activities this year will also be assessed against criteria for the WJEC Entry Pathway Qualification in Humanities.

How parents can support

Parental support is crucial to enhance pupil learning. Parents can help their child by:

encouraging their child to read a wide variety of non-fiction books.

watching the news and current affairs, and discussing weekly news items with their child.

talking about where places are and what they may be like, and using maps at home to plan different journeys.